Seamless Touch Interface With Haptic Oscillation and Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensor systems lack a seamless and continuous touch sensor surface that can effectively receive touch inputs and execute haptic feedback cycles to induce normal oscillations of the touch sensor surface.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a substrate with drive and sense electrode pairs, a baseplate with spring elements, a haptic actuator, and a cover layer defining a continuous touch sensor surface, which detects touch inputs and executes haptic feedback cycles to oscillate the touch sensor surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional touch sensor system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide seamless continuous touch sensor surface for effective touch input detection and haptic feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the substrate integrates touch sensor electrodes, haptic actuators, and support structures into one unified component that provides both touch detection and haptic feedback capabilities, eliminating the need for separate components and achieving a seamless continuous surface
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural base, contains the touch sensor electrode patterns for detection, supports spring elements for mechanical response, and integrates haptic actuators for feedback generation, making it a multi-functional universal component
2Ease of operation
If haptic feedback cycles are executed to induce normal oscillations, then user interaction is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system operates through periodic oscillation cycles where the substrate is driven to oscillate at specific frequencies to create tactile sensations, then returns to a resting state, allowing energy to be applied in controlled periodic bursts rather than continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mechanical vibration of the substrate at resonant frequencies to generate haptic feedback effects, leveraging the natural vibrational properties of the substrate-spring system to achieve efficient energy transfer and maximize tactile response with minimal energy input
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a seamless touch sensor surface that can detect touch inputs and force magnitudes, and execute haptic feedback cycles to induce normal oscillations, enhancing user interaction with haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic actuator arranged below the substrate and including: a first multi-layer inductor; and a first magnetic element defining a first polarity facing the first multi-layer inductor
Data Source
AI summary
One variation for a seamless touch sensor includes: a substrate, a baseplate, a haptic actuator, a cover layer, and a controller. The substrate includes: a top layer including a set of drive and sense electrode pairs; and a bottom layer including an array of force sensors. The baseplate: is arranged below the substrate; and including an array of spring elements coupling the baseplate to the substrate. The haptic actuator is arranged below the substrate and includes: a multi-layer inductor; and a first magnetic element facing the multi-layer inductor. The cover layer is arranged over the substrate to define a continuous surface defining an active region and a inactive touch region. The controller is configured to drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor to: induce alternating magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor and the magnetic element; and oscillate the active touch region of the cover layer relative to the magnetic element.